BCCI moves final out of Bengaluru, reason revealed [Source: AP, AFP]The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule of the playoffs matches of the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Even though earlier reports indicated that the final will be hosted by the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, it is the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad that will be hosting the title clash for the fourth time in the last five years. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has now made an explosive statement, explaining the reason why the final was moved out of Bengaluru. KSCA demanded higher complimentary tickets, says Saikia While speaking with the ANI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained why the board moved the IPL 2026 final out of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which also happens to be home ground of the RCB franchise.He explained that while the IPL protocol indicates that the board is obligated to provide only 15 percent of the stadium’s capacity as complimentary tickets to the host association, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) demanded way more tickets that the 15 percent figure. Also Read- Karnataka Government Issues Official Statement On BCCI Shifting IPL Final From Bengaluru To AhmedabadHe said “As per IPL protocol, we are required to provide only 15% of the total seating capacity as complimentary tickets to the host association. However, we received information from various sources indicating that during the hosting of IPL 2026 league matches, KSCA was claiming a significantly higher number of complimentary tickets, far exceeding the stipulated 15%.” The statement from the BCCI secretary has now brought the ticket allocation issue into the spotlight ahead of the business end of the tournament.KSCA wanted 10,000 extra tickets beyond IPL quota, reveals Saikia Devajit Saikia added that the BCCI received a shocking response from the KSCA when the Indian board wrote an email to the association regarding the matter. Saikia claimed that the KSCA demanded well over the 15% complimentary ticket quota, by requesting tickets for several Karnataka government officials like Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs). He said “We sent them an email requesting precise details regarding this matter. We were shocked when we received a response via email from the Karnataka State Cricket Association on May 2nd; in that email, they stated that over and above the 15% complimentary ticket quota, they would require an additional, substantial allocation of tickets for their members, affiliated clubs and various others. Most surprisingly, they also requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).”BCCI cannot violate protocols, says secretary The BCCI secretary concluded by saying that the Indian board is merely the host body of the IPL 2026 and its playoffs matches, and it cannot violate the protocol of issuing excessive tickets. Blaming the Karnataka government and the KSCA for the IPL 2026 playoff venue fiasco, he stated “the BCCI serves as the host body for the playoff and final matches. Therefore, we cannot violate our protocol by issuing tickets in excess of what is permitted under the IPL's rules and regulations, specifically, the 15% complimentary quote allocated to the host state.”With the IPL 2026 playoffs schedule now officially announced, the ticket allocation controversy has added an unexpected layer of intrigue ahead of the tournament’s knockout stage. It now remains to be seen whether the KSCA or the Karnataka government responds to the allegations made by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.Also Read- Injury Blow For Pakistan! Babar Azam Ruled Out Of 1st Test Vs Bangladesh
